Nedbank ReNEW — when waste is reimagined, wealth is created.
The programme
Accelerating South Africa's circular economy.
Nedbank ReNEW, an acceleration programme managed by Impact Amplifier and funded by the Nedbank Foundation, confronts two of South Africa's most urgent challenges: youth unemployment and environmental degradation.
In alignment with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's Circular Economy Strategy, and in partnership with Circular South Africa, the Nedbank ReNEW Programme is unlocking waste-related circular economy innovations that create meaningful jobs and economic opportunities for young South Africans.
The programme combines business development support with funding of up to R1 000 000 per business.
Over the next 12 months
What Nedbank ReNEW will deliver
A focused acceleration and funding period, with youth, gender equity and climate resilience at the centre.
circular economy entrepreneurs accelerated
maximum funding per business, deployed in milestone-driven tranches
sustainable jobs or micro-enterprises to be created, focused on youth over 30 months
showcases of best-of-breed innovation, stimulating the circular economy ecosystem
How we'll get there
Watch
When waste is reimagined, wealth is created.
Turn waste into opportunity — the Nedbank ReNEW programme
The Nedbank ReNEW programme introduction
Status update · August 2026
Funding has begun
Following a rigorous national selection process that assessed over 200 applications, more than 100 businesses were selected for group acceleration on the Impact-OS platform, alongside 8 prioritised businesses receiving intensive one-on-one support.
The programme kicked off on 30 January 2026. As of August 2026, funding disbursement began across 12 companies, and the first cohort's acceleration programme has concluded.
Who we are
A partnership built for impact
We believe that Africa's entrepreneurs have the creativity and courage to build a future which is socially just and ecologically resilient. Nedbank ReNEW is built on this belief.
"Dreamers and innovators can transform our economy sustainably."
"Risk-takers can design ventures that thrive and create wealth in low-income communities."
"Humanists can create inclusive models where gender equity, youth and environmental resilience are central."
Our partners
Nedbank Foundation
Nedbank is one of South Africa's largest banks, driving sustainable finance and innovation in green and inclusive growth. The Nedbank Foundation is the main funder of the programme and plays a strategic role by contributing to governance, promoting the initiative through its networks, and showcasing the innovations through its marketing channels.
Impact Amplifier
A leading accelerator and funder with a strong track record in accelerating the growth of social enterprises across the African continent. Impact Amplifier manages the end-to-end lifecycle of ReNEW — from selection, acceleration and strategic advisory to fund management and impact reporting.
Circular South Africa
South Africa’s home for circular economy, by fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable business practices across sectors and stakeholders. CSA is an initiative of the African Circular Economy Network.
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